Local govt workers in Cross River protest 11 months’ unpaid salaries

Dozens of newly employed local government workers in Nigeria's Cross River State staged a protest in Calabar, demanding immediate payment for 11 months of unpaid salaries. The workers, who were employed in 2025, have been working for nearly a year without receiving any pay and are seeking inclusion on the state payroll. Carrying placards with messages like "We are suffering" and "We need our salaries," the protesters marched through major streets to the Governor's Office, enduring heavy rain.

“

We are suffering

Uchi Julius, speaking for the protesters, described the severe hardship caused by the prolonged delay in payments. He stated that some workers are struggling to feed their families, and tragically, some have died during a government verification process. Many are surviving on loans from relatives and friends. Julius highlighted that despite promises of massive employment, the approximately 2,000 health workers hired are yet to be paid for their services.

“

Payroll us

Another protester, Happiness Augustine, shared her experience of not being paid since her employment in 2025. She appealed to Governor Bassey Otu to intervene and expedite the payment process, regardless of administrative challenges. Augustine also alleged that a colleague died in a road accident while traveling for a government screening exercise that was initiated after a prior protest.

“

We need our salaries

Anthony Enoh, the Secretary to the State Government, acknowledged the workers' grievances. He informed the protesters that a panel of inquiry had been established following their previous demonstration and has submitted its report. A white paper recommending the next steps is now being prepared, and the government is in the implementation stage. Enoh appealed for patience as the administration works to address the matter.

“

The prolonged delay has really subjected many workers to severe hardship. Some of us are now struggling to feed our families. Some of us have died during the verification process initiated by the government.